Cities in the winter time can be a bit confining. City life in Beirut, extremely stressful and tiring. One way to combat the monotony of work, traffic and urban pollution is by escaping into Lebanon’s snow-capped mountains. Camping –winter camping to be specific– is taking that one step further.

Such was the mission of a group of friends and mountain enthusiasts, who set out to brave the winter cold in exchange for peace of mind, and a good night’s sleep with no sound but the wind.

The location: Qanat Bakish

The date: The peak of Storm Perla

You’ll need to be well equipped if you are to try this. All gear has to be tailored to help you keep warm. From your sleeping bag, to your tent, to your entire attire – make sure you’re doing it right by checking this essential winter camping list.

If you’re inexperienced, it’s best not to try this in the absence of an expert. You’ll need them to help you pick a safe location that’s reachable should something go wrong. Also, if it’s your first time, don’t pick a place that has no mobile reception.

Now for the good part. Get to your preferred location well before sundown and pitch your tent. Once that’s set up, you can enjoy your prepacked meals to this view.

Snow camping isn’t for everyone. But, like all outdoor activities that involve sleeping out it in the open, it can help re-set a person’s circadian rhythm much closer to the rising and setting of the sun.

Also, it’s a major way to combat seasonal affective disorder, relax and reconnect with the real Lebanon… because, waking up to a view like this melts all the worries away.

During the next day, campers can enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Here’s what that looks like: